ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often go undiagnosed for ADHD since symptoms are more obvious for females. They may also be mistaken for other conditions and this can delay referral.
Signs of anxiety, depression and eating disorders in females with ADHD should be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Adolescence, pregnancy or adolescence may reveal and increase the severity of ADHD in some women.
1. Get a diagnosis
ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose, especially in women. The symptoms are different for women. While men are more active and impulsive, women often struggle to concentrate or sit still. As a result, they may be misdiagnosed with other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors might not be aware with ADHD because it is more prevalent in men and boys. This could lead to delays in diagnosis because females are not referred to doctors as quickly. Girls also conceal their symptoms better than boys. This means they are less likely to get noticed by teachers or parents. They may resort to coping strategies, such as hiding behind makeup or acting out to hide their behavior and emotions.
The symptoms of ADHD can become more severe when women are going through menopausal changes or perimenopause. It is because hormonal fluctuations can make them more prone to mood swings. It can also be difficult to keep track of routines and keep track of their tasks. This could affect how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.
The waiting time for assessments can be stressful and cause frustration for those who are unable to receive the assistance they require. This is particularly true for those who are on the NHS as there are only a handful of doctors who can conduct ADHD assessments. adhd in adult women treatment can take a long time to secure an appointment.
The first step towards receiving a diagnosis is to visit your GP. It is essential to inform your GP that you think you might have ADHD because they'll need to take this seriously and request an appointment. It is also important to explain the reasons why you think you may be suffering from ADHD. You can download a letter of support from ADHD UK and give it to your GP to accelerate the process. You could also obtain an evaluation from private healthcare.
2. Speak to your doctor
Women with ADHD are more difficult to diagnose, in part because their symptoms, especially as they age might not be as evident. They might develop strategies to conceal their issues and they can be extremely damaging. This includes drinking heavily, smoking cannabis, and trying to build social support through high-risk activities (e.g. Gangs, prostitution and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be involved in an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases, teens, unplanned and early pregnancy.
The GPs will take any reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to a program that is best suited to you. It is typically a Community Mental Health Service or a Neurodevelopmental Service.
The waiting times for these services are long and in some cases, it is difficult to get referred due to the lack of seriousness with which the problem is dealt with. This could be because the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the person's problems are caused by something else (like depression, anxiety, or abuse of drugs) and not by their ADHD symptoms.
Once you've been referred, it is important to select a therapist that is aware of the condition, and will work with your ADHD problems. Some therapists are trained in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) which is particularly beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Controlling ADHD symptoms is a lifelong process that can last for a lifetime. Medication and dietary changes may help to reduce the symptoms. For instance, an a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can make the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity less noticeable. A diet rich in sugars and junk food can increase the severity of these symptoms.
adhd in women uk is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices like meditation could be beneficial for you, as they can be extremely efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. You can learn these techniques from a qualified instructor. You can find a teacher near you using the NHS service locator.
3. Find a support group
Women with ADHD might have less apparent symptoms than men. This is likely because females don't have as many impulsive and hyperactive symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify them. This does not mean that they do not have symptoms. In fact, they could have inattention ADHD symptoms that are more difficult to recognize. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions and relationships. This can cause strained relationships, particularly with males.
Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to struggle at school and work. They may have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of deadlines and meeting commitments. They might also be unable to accept constructive criticism or constructive feedback. These issues can lead to burnout, which can have a negative effect on their performance at work and career.
The most frequent symptoms and signs of ADHD among women include difficulties paying attention, a tendency to forget things easily and having a poor organization. They may also be prone depression and self-doubt. They may also be troubled by their emotions and are frequently not understood by others. For instance, mood swings can be perceived as an outburst of anger or frustration.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best is a support group specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. adhd in women uk are available both online and in person. They are great ways to get guidance on diagnosis routes for both adults and children as well as tips on how to manage your illness.
There are a variety of adult ADHD support groups in the UK. For example, the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They provide a safe environment for adults with ADHD who want to discuss their challenges, goals, and successes. The details of the meeting are available on their Facebook page or on their website. You can reach them with any questions or want to attend an scheduled event.
4. Exercise
Women with ADHD may face challenges in managing their symptoms, including menstrual cycles as well as menopausal changes. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues like mood swings and anger.
Exercise can help reduce these symptoms, releasing feel good hormones and reducing the stress. It also helps control excess energy, increase focus and improve attention. Therefore, you should try to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your day.
You can exercise at home or, if you'd like to be social, join a group or join a gym. Just remember, that while exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD, it won't solve them all on its own. It should be paired with other symptom-management strategies. You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity workout per week.